Celebrate the Year of the Snake: Exquisite Chinese New Year dining experiences in UAE

As the vibrant festivities of Chinese New Year approach, the UAE is set to offer an array of exceptional dining experiences that celebrate the richness of this cultural occasion. From exquisite buffets to unique themed treats, various top restaurants are inviting guests to immerse themselves in the joyful spirit of the Year of the Snake. Whether you're looking for traditional flavors or contemporary twists, this year's celebrations promise unforgettable culinary delights that will elevate your holiday festivities. Let's explore some of the best spots to toast the New Year in style.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with an exceptional dining experience at Ewaan, located at Palace Downtown. From 29 January to 2 February, indulge in a specially curated buffet priced at Dh350 per person, featuring a lavish selection of dishes including a seafood bar, oyster bar, sushi rolls, carvery and grill corners, traditional Asian delicacies, main courses, international favourites, and decadent desserts. The restaurant has been adorned with special decorations to create a vibrant atmosphere, complementing the festivities. Guests will also enjoy live performances, including traditional dances and ceremonies, all while savouring the rich and aromatic flavours that define this auspicious occasion. Join us from 7pm to 10:30pm for this unforgettable celebration. Special Afternoon Tea awaits you at Al Bayt, Palace Downtown, where you can celebrate Chinese New Year from 29 to 31 January, between 2pm and 6pm. Enjoy panoramic views of Burj Lake and The Dubai Fountain while savouring a selection of pastries, sandwiches, and premium beverages. A live violinist will add to the enchanting atmosphere, making it a truly memorable experience. The price is Dh190 per person.

With spring just around the corner, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, invites guests to celebrate Chinese New Year, beginning the ‘Year of the Snake’ on January 29, with a month-long lineup of unforgettable experiences. From January 28 to February 28, guests can gather with loved ones to indulge in a limited-edition Lunar Afternoon Tea, watch a traditional Lion Dance Ceremony, and dine at the award-winning Shang Palace restaurant. The celebrations commence on January 29 with a lion dance ceremony featuring the dotting of the lion’s eye to usher in good fortune. Additionally, the Lunar Afternoon Tea offers an Asian twist on traditional flavours, with choices like green tea scones and smoked duck, available daily from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For those seeking culinary delights, Shang Palace presents set menus from January 29 to February 9, showcasing dishes such as Cantonese Steamed Chicken and Pan-fried Glutinous Cake, alongside a Prosperity Brunch from January 29 to February 2 featuring an array of dishes. Reservations are recommended for larger parties.

Hawkerboi, JLT’s Southeast Asian-inspired hawker restaurant, will celebrate Chinese New Year with a vibrant display of traditional Chinese lanterns from January 23 to 29, priced at AED 240 per person from 6pm. Guests can indulge in an exclusive menu featuring starters like Kung Pao Soup, Mushroom Spring Rolls, and Spicy Beef Dumplings, alongside delectable Lamb Ribs and the signature Hawkerboi Crab Doughnut. For mains, diners can enjoy traditional favourites such as Roast Duck with classic accompaniments or Steamed Sea Bass with bok choy and special fried rice. The feast concludes with a sweet Mango Pudding served with coconut cream and fresh mango, and each diner will receive a fortune cookie upon departure, offering surprise gifts, including exclusive EATX experiences. Head to Hawkerboi in JLT’s The Park to celebrate Chinese New Year in a neon-lit haven, but remember to book tables in advance. Opening hours are from 6pm to 12pm from Sunday to Thursday and 6pm to 1am from Friday to Saturday.

Armani/Caffè, the sophisticated Italian restaurant located on the exclusive Fashion Avenue of Dubai Mall, invites guests to celebrate the arrival of the Chinese New Year in style from January 29 to February 2. During this festive period, patrons can indulge in a selection of special Chinese New Year-themed treats, including the luxurious ORO Cheesecake for AED90 and a Gold Cappuccino with a Fortune Cookie for AED95, all designed to mark the Year of the Snake. These exquisite offerings beautifully blend Italian craftsmanship with Chinese symbolism, creating a perfect way to embrace the season of renewal and good fortune while bringing joy and prosperity to all.

Palazzo Versace Dubai invites guests to celebrate the ‘Year of the Snake’ with unique activations from January 28 to February 2, 2025. Enjoy a Chinese New Year-themed high tea at Mosaico, available daily from 10:30 am to 7pm, featuring a selection of sweet and savoury delicacies like Smoked Duck Salad on Bao Bun and Green Tea Red Bean Roll, priced at Dh420 for two (per stand). In the evening, indulge in a Chinese New Year Feast at Giardino from 7pm to 11pm, featuring authentic dishes such as Live Hand Pulled Noodle Soup and Steamed Live Grouper Fish, priced at Dh275 per person.

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Sanchaya, located at the Double Tree by Hilton Resort & Spa, Marjan Island, with a delightful blend of rich traditions and modern elegance. On Wednesday, January 29th, diners can welcome the Year of the Snake with a feast of authentic Chinese dishes and Asian-inspired bites, enjoying a 20 per cent discount on a la carte menu items from 1pm to 3.30pm, and a 25 per cent discount for Chinese nationals from 6pm to 10.30pm. Then, on Friday, January 31st, join the festive brunch from 6pm to 10.30pm, featuring an unlimited spread of Asian delicacies, refreshing drinks, fortune cookies, and vibrant live entertainment, with prices starting from AED 199 for soft beverages and AED 249 for house beverages per person.

In celebration of the Year of the Snake, Ladurée, the French patisserie known for its exquisite confections, is unveiling a captivating limited-edition collection. This collection features a beautifully designed keepsake gift box adorned in vibrant red and shimmering gold, symbolising prosperity and good fortune. Inside, you'll find 12 of Ladurée’s signature macarons, each delicately crafted to perfection, offering an array of exquisite flavours. Available starting January 15 for Dh210, this luxurious collection can be found at all Ladurée locations in the UAE, including the iconic Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Yas Mall.

Keep an eye out for the newest places to visit across the UAE by checking out our Things to do section.